Annotation Guide for Part II: The Sieve and the Sand

#67-68
1. Imagery/Symbolism – What does “sieve” mean? How could it be related to sand?
2. Mood – What colors does Bradbury use? How do they contribute to the mood? Why? What
about the diction?
Why would Bradbury choose that particular quote for Montag to read?
3. How Bradbury use rain? What effect does it create? What could it represent? Why?
4. Irony – What is ironic about the book title that Mildred comments on?
5. Foils/Characterization – How does Bradbury use this scene (and Clarisse) to develop
Mildred’s character?

#69-71
1. Irony – What is ironic about Mildred’s view that “books aren’t people”?
2. Character Development – What is Mildred’s primary concern at this time? What does that
reveal about her?
3. Plot Development – What do you learn about the war and the way society is dealing with it?
What does that tell you about society?
4. Character Development – Who is Faber? Why does Bradbury introduce Faber now? What is
his purpose? Why is Montag “surprised” that he’s not angry with Faber?

#72-73
1. Character development— Mildred tells Montag that he’ll “ruin” them. What does that tell
you about Mildred?
Later, Bradbury describes her as “sitting there like a wax doll melting in its own heat.” What
do you make of that description? How is it related to Mildred?
Why does Montag ask Mildred if the Clown loves her? What is he hoping for? Why does
nothing “happen to his eyes or mouth,” even though he wants to cry?

#74-75
1. Character Development—What is Montag searching for? Why does he feel lost without his
smile?
2. The Sieve and the Sand—Why do you think Bradbury included that memory here? What
does it mean?
3. Conflict—Why does Montag snap on the subway? What kind of conflicts do you see in this
scene?

#76
Why does Montag want to “feel his feet move… feel his throat go raw with air”?